IGFA's Conservation Update for April 2025
On May 29th, the Forage Fish Research Program (FFRP), a public-private partnership among FWRI, leading academics, and the Florida Forage Fish Coalition, will host the 9th Annual Data Workshop at FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) HQ in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The Data Workshop provides an opportunity for the FFRP to update interested stakeholders and the academic community on the work being done on Florida’s forage fish by FWRI, FFRP data partners, and FFRP graduate student fellows. The hallmark of the workshop are presentations by current FFRP graduate student fellows, who will share their research findings on traditional forage fish research as well as the broader environmental and climate impacts on forage fish habitats.
Following the data workshop, a request for proposals will be published, and the FFRP will accept proposals for 2025-2026 graduate student fellowships. Thanks to the generosity of Fish Florida, the fellowship award has been increased from $15,000 to $20,000 per fellow.
Over nearly a decade, the FFRP has funded 15 graduate student fellowships, resulting in 10 peer-reviewed scientific publications, and many fellows have gone on to pursue research-focused careers at universities and state and federal natural resource agencies. The FFRP represents a ‘win-win-win’ scenario for Florida Fisheries, including aquatic natural resource research, developing the next generation of marine scientists, and an improved understanding of the ecosystem roles of forage fish and the environmental connections to better angling opportunities for the public.
This program is led by the IGFA, the Florida Forage Fish Coalition includes the Pew Charitable Trusts, Wild Oceans, Fish Florida, Florida Wildlife Federation, Angler Action Foundation, American Sportfishing Association, and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.
For more information, please visit the FFRP website here and check out our annual newsletter here.
